Stress Awareness Month: 4 Ways Stress is Affecting Your Health

Juggling the demands of work along with the obligations of life, raising kids amid rising prices, trying to get enough sleep without missing a workout—living with stress is the new norm for most women. The sad truth is that while many take measures to cope with their stress, it continues to be a growing health concern for women in the United States.

April is stress awareness month. Do you know how stress could be affecting your health? Here are four ways:

Stress Is Terrible for Your Heart

Did you know stress could be causing damage to your heart and arteries without your knowledge? When you’re anxious or agitated, your body releases hormones that increase your heart rate and constrict your blood vessels. When that happens, your blood pressure goes through the roof. Chronic stress is known to increase the risk of the arterial disease atherosclerosis, in which fatty plaque builds up along the walls of the arteries. As well as decreased blood flow and oxygenation of the major organs, atherosclerosis can also lead to other cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke.

Stress Can Make You Miss Your Period

Have you ever thought you might be pregnant only to have your period start one or two weeks late? The most probable reason for your fickle flow is—you guessed it—stress!

Commonly known as secondary amenorrhea, this temporary menstrual stoppage can throw you for a loop. The relationship between menstruation and stress is not yet fully understood. Suffice it to say that too much stress is not good for maintaining a regular cycle.

Stress Messes with Your Libido

A lot of people enjoy sex because it helps them find release. But what happens when your stress starts getting in the way of your stress outlet?

According to a recent study from the Kinsey Institute, women’s libidos may be more sensitive to stress than men’s. That means that although his desire is unfazed by that looming deadline, your mind could be stuck on next month’s bills. Reducing your stress levels could be the spark that you need to rekindle that fire in the bedroom.

Stress Takes Away Emotional Control

Being irritable because you’re stressed out is no fun—for you or anyone unfortunate enough to be near you.

You might expect someone dealing with a major life crisis to have an outburst every once in a while, but according to a 2013 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences of the United States of America, it doesn’t take much to make someone lose control. In fact, a little discomfort from immersing a hand in ice water can lead to difficulty regaining composure when put under stress. Having such a loose grasp on your emotions could put your friendships, your reputation, and even your job in jeopardy. Finding ways to cope with your stress will ensure that none of that happens.

Stress left unchecked can lead to serious mental and physical health consequences, such as heart disease, sleep abnormalities, emotional instability, and weight gain. But with the right coping mechanisms and healing treatments, you don’t have to worry. Acupuncture releases stress by opening up the meridians so that energy can flow more freely. If you need help managing your stress, give Dr. Litman and her team a call to set up an appointment. They will guide you toward the best remedy for your stress based on your situation.

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Testimonials

Julie M.

Coming to Dr. Vivian has been the best decision of my life. In our very first consultation she explained to me everything in detail that I needed to know, She started doing my fertility treatment that same day. After a few months of treatment I can happily say I’m 4 months pregnant !!!! You’ll be… Read more “Julie M.”

Julie M.

Debbie B.

We are beyond satisfied and thankful to have found Dr.Vivian. Her highly knowledgeable care and treatment was so effective. Dr.Vivian showed true compassion and worked with us very closely to reach a positive resolution.

Debbie B.

Chad M.

I had never done acupuncture before in my life, and I was always skeptical about it. But, Dr. Vivian is truly fantastic, and her treatments really work. I originally came to her over a year ago when my wife and I were struggling to get pregnant for nearly two years. Magically, we got pregnant within… Read more “Chad M.”

Chad M.

Elizabeth G.

I went to Dr. Vivian after not ovulating or having a period for over 18 months. Within 2 months of seeing her I ovulated (after failing to ovulate on clomid and metformin); 4 months after starting with her (and third time ovulating), I got pregnant! Now I am 6 months carrying a healthy baby girl.… Read more “Elizabeth G.”

Elizabeth G.

Yussi M.

Before deciding to do acupuncture as a method to treatment endometriosis pain, I was not a believer until I had two sessions with Dr. Vivian. I noticed immediately my intake of pain medication reduced significantly. Dr.Vivian is thoughtful, thorough and accommodating when in need of an unexpected session. She’s precise in delivery relief to specific… Read more “Yussi M.”

Yussi M.

Andrea S.

Dr. Vivian is amazing. I started going to her due to migraines and to get a little bit of help as we were trying to conceive. Dr. Vivian is extremely patient and kind, and really takes the time to see you and treat you as a whole person, and not just the sum of your… Read more “Andrea S.”

Andrea S.

Olivia N.

I want to thank Dr.Vivian from the bottom of my heart! She made me getting pregnant possible. After 3 years of trying, fertility treatments and a lot of frustration. I am now 7 weeks pregnant. I believe it is due to Dr. Vivian’s knowledge of the female body, knowing what to do at what point… Read more “Olivia N.”

Olivia N.

Maria A.

After going thru various ivf cycles, this last time around I decided to do acupuncture, and it did work. I had my healthy beautiful baby boy, I couldn’t be more grateful to have met Dr.Vivian and had her play a huge part on my ivf cycle. I truly recommend Dr. Vivian! Again, thank you Dr.Vivian… Read more “Maria A.”

Maria A.

Kate L.

Dr. Vivian treated both me and my husband. Our experience with her was nothing short of magical. We came to her after a few people recommended her for assistance with fertility. She started our sessions by learning everything about our health and daily activities and treated us, individually and as a couple, in ways we… Read more “Kate L.”

Kate L.

Magen C.

Not only is Dr. Vivian Litman incredibly skilled, she is extremely comforting and has the kindest heart. I began visiting Dr. Litman last year after struggling with an unexplained irregular cycle. Six months later my cycle was back on track, and two months after that my husband and I conceived! I am currently 20 weeks… Read more “Magen C.”

Magen C.

Samantha P.

Dr. Vivian is indeed a miracle worker! I have done acupuncture before, mainly for my anxiety due to the assumption that this type of approach can only help de-stress me, but oh was I so wrong. I have a lengthy history with gastric issues and due to some harsh treatments was left with the aftermath… Read more “Samantha P.”

Samantha P.

Dr. Karen Raben

I am a family physician and have practiced in South Miami for 30 years. I have been treated by Vivian for the past 2 years. I first sought help to achieve a better mind-body balance and to lessen free-floating feelings of stress and consciously replace them with feelings of gratitude for my bountiful life. I… Read more “Dr. Karen Raben”

Dr. Karen Raben

Natasha S Miami

A good friend of mine recommended me to Dr. Litman prior to starting my 2nd round of IVF. Following my 2nd round of IVF and having Acupuncture with Dr. Litman, I now have a 5 month old healthy baby boy. I strongly believe the acupuncture helped prepare and calm my body to conceive and Dr.… Read more “Natasha S Miami”

Natasha S

Ashley T. Therapist Miami

Dr. Vivian has been an integral part of my family’s life! My husband has gone to her for years for his neck and upper back problems. After many doctors and physical therapist appointments, the only relief he has ever felt was after his acupuncture sessions with Vivian! When we wanted to start a family,… Read more “Ashley T. Therapist Miami”

Ashley T.

Jessica C Accountant Miami

I cannot thank Dr. Litman enough for helping us conceive our first child with Acupuncture Fertility Treatments. At the age of 35 and after having been diagnosed with endometriosis, I came to see Dr. Litman as a last resort before having to consider Western fertility medicine. I had thoroughly read how Acupuncture treatment had been… Read more “Jessica C Accountant Miami”

Jessica C

Erika H. Attorney, Miami

I rarely write reviews; this might be my second review I ever write for someone. If you are interested in acupuncture, you should meet Vivian. I treated with her for fertility; she is specialized in increasing ovarian reserves. I am 7 months pregnant now and really enjoyed treating with Vivian. She has a very calming… Read more “Erika H. Attorney, Miami”

Erika H.

Lauren Gutierrez, Mom of three, Miami

Vivian can best be described as a healer. She doesn’t claim to perform miracles…no human can…but she will help restore your soul. We met one July afternoon in her office where I spent most of my first session crying. I went on to receive acupuncture treatments from Vivian for over five years in conjunction with… Read more “Lauren Gutierrez, Mom of three, Miami”

Lauren Gutierrez

Kelly P

I was under the care of Dr. Vivian Yi Bin Shou-Litman for acupuncture, for infertility treatment. I tried to conceive for over 2 years. After a miscarriage, I went to see Vivian. Within 3 months, I was pregnant again and truly feel that a lot of the credit goes to my acupuncture treatment. In addition… Read more “Kelly P”

Kelly P

Susana M

For the last ten years I have met and been treated by several acupuncturists, all lovely people with an honest desire to improve their clients’ well being. Even among those Vivian is special. Tremendously gentle, Vivian has a deeply intuitive awareness of your issues, both physical and emotional, and she strives to make her treatments… Read more “Susana M”

Susana M

Hazel L. Therapist, Miami

About 5 years ago, a friend recommended Dr. Litman to me. I wanted to treat a variety of issues, pain, sugar cravings, women’s matters, improve my mood/energy. I can honestly say that everything Dr. Litman said would happen, did, as she said it would, as well as when she said it would. I also used… Read more “Hazel L. Therapist, Miami”

Hazel L.

Catherine H. Los Angeles

I’ve been to a variety of acupuncturists, but I have never been in the hands of one so knowledgeable and skillful as Vivian. She is a true healer, brilliant and wise and wonderful. I travel from my home in Los Angeles to see her in Miami whenever possible. She is a kind and soothing presence,… Read more “Catherine H. Los Angeles”

Catherine H.

Maria Drew., Executive Vice President, Florida/Caribbean Region

When I first went to Vivian, I was not a believer of acupuncture. However, due to a small intervention at another location, I was intrigued enough to try. My primary concern was sleeplessness and weight loss. When I visited Vivian, I was extremely skeptical but was desperate enough to at least attempt to open my… Read more “Maria Drew., Executive Vice President, Florida/Caribbean Region”

Maria Drew.

Pete Azor, Miami, FL, Sales Manager

I became interested in options to traditional medicine when I realized I was on more meds and felt terrible instead of better. At that time, I decided to pursue other solutions to my conditions which were high anxiety, stress induced panic disorders, High Blood Pressure, Gastrointestinal disturbances….just to name a few. I selected Vivian Shou… Read more “Pete Azor, Miami, FL, Sales Manager”

Pete Azor

Vivian D., Miami, Computer Engineer

After several years of trial, thousands of dollars spent on tests, treatments and consultations in 2 well renowned fertility clinics we were told that conception was impossible for us and that we needed to find a sperm donor. I started my first acupuncture treatment at Dr. Yi Bin Shou-Litman during my first and only IVF… Read more “Vivian D., Miami, Computer Engineer”

Vivian D.

Cassandra K., South Miami , Attorney

I began acupuncture treatment with Dr. Shou following two unexplained early miscarriages. My OB doctor suspected a hormone imbalance and suggested that I take progesterone supplements once I became pregnant again. After 3 months of acupuncture treatment and herbal supplements to increase natural progesterone production and diet changes, I became pregnant again. At four weeks,… Read more “Cassandra K., South Miami , Attorney”

Cassandra K.

Alex B., Aventura, Teacher

I am a 37 year old female who benefited from acupuncture during IVF. I used acupuncture to improve my overall circulation and blood flow to my uterus. My diagnosis for infertility was male factor, but I still used acupuncture to improve my overall well being, to give me the best chance at conceiving and carrying… Read more “Alex B., Aventura, Teacher”

Alex B.

Richard H., Miami Beach, President of The Mapping Alliance

My experience with Doctors is they identify symptoms then apply a reimbursable solution without examining alternatives. Having been referred to Dr. Vivian Litman, I explained what I thought she wanted to hear, symptoms .. and was surprised to be asked simple but powerful questions about my health and life. Vivian has her own sense of… Read more “Richard H., Miami Beach, President of The Mapping Alliance”

Richard H.

Meibol M., LPN , South Dade

I was introduced by a coworker to this world of Oriental Medicine, one day we were both talking at work and as I was listening to her conversation about Acupuncture it brought my interest in it. While driving home I started asking myself if Acupuncture will help me with my problem. Back in 2004 I… Read more “Meibol M., LPN , South Dade”